Classic Hardie style of reductive winemaking in play here. Currently, it is the new wood that dominates, with smoky minerals, lemon, lime and green apple snuggling up. Bright acidity, fine length and a modest 12.2% alcohol make for a refined drop of Chardonnay.

This idiosyncratic wine is made from 100% L’Acadie grapes and subsequently buried 8 feet underground in Hungarian oak barrels for 12 months in the same soil in which the vines grow. Shows some complexity on the nose with tropical fruit, banana, caramel and vanilla. Buttery, toasty and citrus flavours show up in the mouth, backed by brisk acidity and mineral grip. Toasted, almost crème brûlée notes linger on the finish.

B. Vintners is a collaboration between Bruwer Raats, whose family was amongst the first Dutch settlers, and his cousin Gavin. The Raats family has always been based in Stellenbosch, and this project was created to show some of the special sites and areas of Stelly — much like they saw the Swartland Independents doing — through minimal intervention. This is old vine Pinotage on decomposed granite soils at altitude, and close to the ocean in Bottelary Hills. An earlier pick, wild ferment, light extraction and gentle elevate (14 months in oak, 10% new) has provided a crisp, fresh and crunchy Pinotage, one that pours a medium cherry hue and is full of wild raspberries, pomegranate, herbal plum, fynbos scrub. Tannins are fine, sapid-lined and the finish is bright. Chill this expressive light red slightly for a maximum enjoyment.